The Steveston-London Sharks were the last Richmond teams standing but neither could make it to B.C. high school basketball's biggest stage.
Steveston-London's senior girls team came within in one game of advancing to next week's B.C. "AAA" tournament at Capilano, falling 78-59 to Maple Ridge in a provincial wild card game played on Tuesday in Ladner. The result ended a grinding backdoor journey for the Sharks that saw them win three consolation games at the Lower Mainland Tournament to place fifth and extend their season.
After falling 82-50 to top 10 ranked Argyle in the quarter-finals, Steveston-London produced wins over Burnaby North (55-34) and Carson Graham (7638). They had home court advantage against the New West Hyacks but dropped a 71-55 decision last Friday, setting the stage for Saturday's fifth place game against Kitsilano.
It proved to be a thriller as the Sharks squeaked out a 58-57 victory behind the spectacular 37-point performance of Grade 11 guard and tournament all-star Anmol Mattu.
Meanwhile, the Sharks senior boys team saw their provincial tourney hopes end on Wednesday afternoon with a 73-55 loss to Point Grey.
Steveston-London began play with a 78-55 win over Eric Hamber, then dropped a 73-50 decision to No. 3 ranked St. George's. The Sharks then got past league rival Burnett 69-64 on Tuesday before falling to Point Grey.
